Calvin Oftana has excused himself from Gilas Pilipinas duties in the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2027 Asian Qualifiers’ third window due to injuries.
The TNT star confirmed that he’s out for the June 29-July 6 tilt, as he will undergo a minor foot surgery to fix an issue that’s been bothering him for a while now — one of the reasons why he struggled in the recent PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals.
“Wala. Pahinga muna ako,” he told reporters shortly after the Tropang 5G’s 88-76 loss to Ginebra in Game 7 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Wednesday night.
Besides the aforementioned foot problem, Oftana has been dealing with a recurring calf injury, admitting that he’s already feeling the wear and tear of his tight schedule, switching between TNT obligations and national team duties.
(C) FIBA
Still, the 30-year-old forced himself to suit up in the final game of the mid-season tilt out of his desire to help his team in the winner-take-all affair.
He played for 31 minutes and finished with five points, three rebounds, three assists, and a steal. But his and the squad’s efforts weren’t enough, as their corporate rivals had more weapons to pick and lean on down the stretch.
“Sabi ko nga sa mga kasama ko, dasal muna ako; kung bigyan ako ng sign ni Lord na maglaro kahit may iniinda, maglalaro ako sa Game Seven,” he said.
“‘Yun nga, napanaginipan ko tumatakbo ako, sabi ko baka yun yung sign,” he added with a chuckle, trying to be an image of optimism.
“Pero, mahirap maglaro nang may iniinda. Ayaw naman natin nun. But hats off to Ginebra.”
So, Oftana is giving himself two months to rest and recover as the former NCAA Most Valuable Player out of San Beda wants to prioritize his health this time.
“Mami-miss ko ‘yung first quarter ng next conference. Kailangan na magpahinga siguro dahil sa sobra na rin sa laro,” he said.
“Pero hindi naman rason ‘yun. Dapat maging healthy. Gusto ko lang maging healthy sa next conference.”
